OAK BROOK, IL -- (Marketwire) -- 12/28/12 -- Without the ability for families to stay at a Ronald McDonald House® or a Ronald McDonald Family Room®, the more than 11,500 RMHC families who are battling a child's serious injury or illness at a hospital far from home would have to spend an estimated $370 million in lodging costs; these costs, coupled with the cost of their child's medical care, can be daunting. Donors who wish to help alleviate the financial burden of these families can make a tax-deductible donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) before December 31, 2012 and the close of the year-end.

"Through our programs and services, we support the entire family by giving them a roof over their head, time, and resources so they can be there to help their child heal," said Jennifer Blanchard Smith, senior director RMHC. "The impact of gifts -- no matter the size, is profound and it will help us give children the best medicine of all, their families." RMHC, a 501(c) (3) public registered charity, meets all 20 of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance Standards for Charity Accountability. Ninety cents of every dollar donated is used to fund family-centered programs and services benefiting children. RMHC will provide written acknowledgement for donations over $250, or a confirmation email for online donations above $10 that could serve as documentation when claiming a deduction.

Through strong relationships with the medical community, as well as important support from volunteers, staff, and generous donors, this nonprofit has been able to extend its reach globally with an RMHC presence in 57 countries and regions. Today, in response to health care trends and demand, the Charity continues to grow to try to meet the needs of children. Programs like the Ronald McDonald House, however, are often filled every night, with long waiting lists. By 2015, RMHC plans to expand its presence into new countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. With its local Chapters, the Charity will grow its programs by 29 percent supporting families through 358 Ronald McDonald Houses in 41 countries, 244 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in 26 countries and 56 Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles in ten countries. Donors can invest in RMHC and its growth to better serve more families and children by donating online today.

"Regardless of the amount, your gifts will allow us to serve more than 4.5 million children annually through our family-centered programs," said Jennifer Blanchard Smith, senior director, RMHC. "We are grateful to our donors and with everyone's generosity we hope to meet our goal so that we can continue to respond to the needs of our families in the coming year."

If you are making a monetary donation at year-end, consider supporting families through RMHC. Donations of all sizes have an enormous impact on improving children's health and wellbeing. For example, $85 could give comfort and rest to a family at a Ronald McDonald House, just steps away from their ill child, which helps in their healing process; $25 could provide a home-cooked meal for that same family who needs sustenance after a long day at the hospital; $50 could fill a Ronald McDonald Family Room with drinks and snacks so that family members can take a moment to relax just a few steps from their child's bed; or $125 could stock a play room with toys and games so that family members can share a few hours of normalcy during an otherwise extremely difficult time.

About Ronald McDonald House CharitiesRonald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®), a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and wellbeing of children. Through its global network of local Chapters in 57 countries and regions, its three core programs, the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room® and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, and millions of dollars in grants to support children's programs worldwide, RMHC provides stability and resources to families so they can get and keep their children healthy and happy. All RMHC-operated and supported programs provide a bridge to quality health care and give children and families the time they need together to heal faster and cope better. For more information, visit www.rmhc.org, follow us on Twitter (@RMHC) or like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/RMHC Global).